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Sackville School Sports News
Sports Update 22 – 29 November
With the basketball teams enjoying a week off and rugby training starting in earnest for the fixtures next term this week has been a quiet in terms of matches against other schools, however competition amongst the boys outside of the football squads has been building over the last few weeks culminating in our SEPEP finals. Boys from the school football teams are not allowed to participate and the teams picked by the staff but agreed by the players (and named by the boys involved!) compete over three weeks in a best of three series of matches. Matches are always very closely contested and this year was no different.
In Year 11 ‘LHI’ played ‘Aloha’. Going in to the final match the series was finely balanced at one game each and in a thrilling finale the match finished 4 – 4. Golden goal extra time could not separate the teams so penalties followed with ‘LHI’ stealing the series with some excellent spot kicks.
Both teams played some fine football but the effort and enthusiasm from all the boys over the three weeks was really rewarding for all involved in the games and made for some highly entertaining sport for all – well done boys!
Year 11 winners ‘LHI’ are: Harry Hubble (Captain), John McCarthy, Miles Watson, Ben Holland, James Still, Alex Nowicki, Oliver Holland, Jamie Bryant, Joe Bartholomew and Theo Forbes – Turko
In Year 10 the ‘Oranges’ proved too strong for their opponents over the three games with top scorer Luca Marshall ensuring that his team emerged as champions for this year.
‘Oranges’ squad: Theo Farringdon, Alistair Penfold, Philip Wiles, Jamie Owens (Captain) Jack Cooper and Luca Marshall.
The Year 9 SEPEP competition was also a battle of the top goal scorers with Ben Ketchin (6) leading the way for ‘Sting and the Police’ and Billy McDowell (7) striking the majority of goals for ‘Clawed in Half’. At the start of the final game the series was tied one match each and the final proved to be a fitting tribute to the effort and skill the boys played with all term, eventually finishing 5 – 4 to ‘Clawed in Half’, in a match that was genuinely as exciting as the score line suggests.
‘Clawed in Half’ squad: William Rees, Toby Ridley, Graham Thompson, Alex Karaiskos, Matthew Edwards and Billy McDowell
The Year 8 tournament was decided with literally the last kick of the match in another exciting final that capped a great week of sport. The ‘Flying Chickens’ had won in Week 1 and then drawn with the ‘Pink Fairies’ in Week 2 so a draw would see the ‘Flying Chickens’ win overall in the final match.
The ‘Pink Fairies’ knowing they had to win pushed hard for the victory and dominated the first half to lead 3 – 1 at the break but when the ‘Flying Chickens’ scored in the second half the game really exploded in to action. Chances came and went at both ends and as the referee counted down the last ten seconds of the game, with two seconds left the ‘Flying Chickens’ struck for goal and with the recent rain making the ball very slippery the ball somehow managed to squeeze its way through the defenders and goalkeeper in to the goal for the tournament winning goal. The ‘Flying Chickens’ celebrations that followed were of epic proportion and the Pink Fairies were desperately unlucky to lose but they were gracious in defeat and the positive atmosphere and enjoyment of the whole occasion was fantastic to see.
The Year 7 final has been postponed by rain but will follow as soon as possible.
One final piece of football news. I am delighted to be able to announce that Ryan O’Connell has been selected to represent the Independent Schools South East Region at Under 13 level. Places in this squad are only awarded to the highest calibre of young footballers so Ryan’s achievement is one of real excellence. Congratulations Ryan, we all wish you well for the season ahead!
N.Y.
Sports Update 16 – 22 November
With the final match of the outdoor football season this week and the basketball season for Year 9 and Year 11 in full flow it is not surprising that this week the basketball teams have come in to their own with some exceptional performances.
On Tuesday evening the Year 9 boys travelled to Hugh Christie to play basketball. Mr. Barham’s squad were high in confidence with two straight wins out of two but the squad found themselves having one of those days when despite good possession which created plenty of scoring opportunities, the ball would simply not drop through the basket. Frustration started to creep in and although we had a few points on the scoreboard by halftime the game was very close, with Sackville leading by just one basket.
The second half was a very nervous affair (at least it was from where I was sitting!) but the players kept their composure and started to score vital baskets that kept us in the lead, but only just. Hugh Christie fought their way back in to contention with just a few minutes to go but the experience from the previous two matches started to pay off as the Sackville squad took control of the end of the match to secure a fine win away from home and maintain their 100% record.
Squad: Jack Billinghurst, Kieran Brown, Ben Charman, Luke Geer, George Hubble, James Board and Ashley Geer.
On Wednesday afternoon the Year 7 and 8 boys played football at Sevenoaks Prep School in the final match of their season. With a few key players out with injuries and a skilful Sevenoaks Prep side as hosts it was a difficult afternoon for the squad but they battled hard even in defeat. The squad have worked really hard this year and it was a shame that their season finished in defeat, especially as they have enjoyed a number of fine victories during this term but I have every confidence that they will continue to give their best next season. There are a number of players with potential in both year groups and the squad has really improved through their effort and determination this season – well done boys!
The same evening Sackville hosted a basketball ‘double header’ fixture against Angley School, a Sports College from Cranbrook. Both Year 11 and Year 9 teams would play one after the other in what are usually very close games. With two teams watching and the usual excellent parental support the atmosphere in the sports hall was fantastic and the matches didn’t disappoint.
Year 11 took to the court first and the game started at a frantic pace. Height and strength are crucial at Under 16 level and both teams worked hard to use their physical prowess to gain an early advantage.
It was Sackville that took an early lead and although the game was very finely balanced the squad maintained their advantage for most of the game. With a five point advantage and just three minutes remaining Sackville had the ball, and what seemed like a match winning lead, until an error gave the ball to Angley who broke quickly to score. Sensing their opportunity Angley pressed hard and scored again with just over a minute remaining. The final minute epitomised the match with both teams giving their all to win the match but it was Sackville who took their last opportunity to score and seal a dramatic match 17 – 14.
Squad: Sean Hickmott, Rory Tanner, Jonathan Shea, Harry Sievewright, James Kingston and Alex Fitzpatrick.
As the Year 9 players warmed up they had certainly been inspired by the Year 11 performance and the intensity of the effort they had witnessed. Despite the majority of players having played just the night before the squad showed no sign of fatigue and created scoring chances with a skilful mixture of tactics. Unlike the Hugh Christie match, this time there was no lack of points with excellent shooting from all our players and although Angley played some fine basketball, at times Sackville just couldn’t miss and emerged winners 28 points to 16.
For the Year 9 boys four wins out of four puts them in a strong position with just one match left before the play off stages of the competition.
Squad: Jack Billinghurst, Kieran Brown, Ben Charman, Ieuan Pughsley, Luke Geer, George Hubble, James Board and Ashley Geer.
N.Y.
Sports Update 9 – 15 November
Another busy week of football, netball and basketball has seen some fantastic performances with the senior girls stealing the highlight of the week from some great boys’ victories with a superb effort in the Under 16 Kent Netball Tournament.
The Year 9 boys started the week with an excellent win 38 – 6 against Wildernesse School at basketball on Tuesday 10 November. The introduction of Luke and Ash Geer to the team this season has brought renewed confidence to the squad and the strength, speed and skill of all the players and the way they combined together was the difference between the two teams. With two wins out of two this half term the boys’ are in a strong position to make the play offs at the end of term but two big matches against Hugh Christie and Angley this week will be crucial – good luck boys!
Squad: Billy McDowell, Jack Billinghurst, Kieran Brown, Ben Charman, Ieuan Pughsley, Luke Geer, George Hubble, James Board and Ashley Geer.
The same evening saw the girls take on Bradbourne School at netball their matches at Under 14 and Under 16 level were both affected by the absence of some of our key players and Bradbourne won both games but the evening proved a crucial warm up for the Kent Championships on Thursday and lessons were well and truly learnt.
On Wednesday the Year 7 and 8 boys travelled to Sevenoaks School to compete in two 7 – a – side football matches. The format suited our hosts who played skilful football and were the better side but the experience was a valuable one for our boys. This format requires excellent fitness and movement off the ball and the Sevenoaks boys gave an excellent demonstration from which our players have learnt a great deal about how to improve for the future.
Thursday saw our senior girls travel to Rainham School for the Under 16 Kent Netball Championships. As you would expect the standard is very high with the best sportswomen from across the County from state and independent schools competing for the title. This year the tournament started off in a league format. With 5 leagues and about 7 schools in each league only the top two teams from each league would qualify for the afternoon phase of the tournament to battle out the top places.
The effort the girls put in throughout the morning phase was fabulous. Victories against Wilmington Grammar School For Girls, Sittingbourne Community College, Rainham Mark Grammar School and a thrilling draw against Highworth Grammar School put the girls in contention for a qualifying place but defeat to eventual qualifiers Cranbrook School and Blackheath High School meant an agonising third place finish for the girls.
It is however an amazing achievement for our girls to perform so well against some of the best schools in the County. The third place finish ranked them just outside the top ten overall for Under 16 netball which considering the size of some of the schools we played against is a tremendous achievement. Mrs. Ellis was delighted by the girls’ positive attitude and teamwork which was the foundation of their success.
Congratulations to the entire squad which consisted of; Demi-Anne Wood, Stephanie Welsh, Emma Gavaghan, Abigail Dawson, Vicky Burr, Maya Dial, Shrima Patel, Amelia Marshall, Sarah Druce, Isabelle Meekins, Hannah Burton and Jenny Wong.
The Year 9 football squad also hosted Beechwood School on Thursday evening for what was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of football. The matches were intended as friendly fixtures to build the experience of both teams and the Sackville players demonstrated a fine balance of sportsmanship and skill to host the ever improving Beechwood side. There were four games in total with two ending in draws and two being won by Sackville by just a single goal in each. The evening was an excellent demonstration of two schools playing sport for all the right reasons and my thanks to all the players who made the occasion so enjoyable for all involved.
Squad: Jamie Norris, Alex Ray, Graham Thompson, Isabelle Meekins, Charlotte Stephens, Richard Holiday, William Sutton, Daniel Lazell and Sam Lucas
N.Y.
Sports Update (2 - 8 November 2009)
The last week has seen our sportsmen and women perform with real skill in a variety of contexts. It is always great to see our students win games but it is equally rewarding to see the enthusiasm generated by their debut match together or a determination to give everything to a contest regardless of the score.
Tuesday evening saw the Year 9 basketball side travel to St. Gregory's in Tunbridge Wells. Last year the teams were very evenly matched and so it proved again this season. With just two minutes of the game left Sackville had the ball and a comfortable lead of 5 points but as the boys attacked in search of the game clinching basket the rebound dropped to our opponents who rushed the ball back under our basket to score. Suddenly the match was hanging in the balance and having played brilliantly all game Sackville looked under pressure. St. Gregory's showed their depth of talent to score again with a fine basket leaving seconds remaining and Sackville leading by a single point. Watching from the sidelines was nerve-wracking but Mr. Barham and I needn’t have worried, showing greater composure and renewed energy at the end of a tough game the Sackville boys kept the ball with some good passing and sealed an excellent win 42 – 41.
On Wednesday afternoon our Year 7 and 8 boys’ played host to Beechwood Sacred Heart School who have only recently started taking boys in their senior school. The match was very much about sportsmanship and friendly competition and while Sackville played some good football to officially win the game, Beechwood created some fine chances in what was a thoroughly entertaining game which was a credit to both teams.
Following the football the Year 7 and 8 girls combined to play their first competitive match of the season against Hazelwood Prep School. With the Year 7 girls making their debut for the School it was an enthusiastic team bubbling with excitement that took to the court. The girls worked hard throughout but Hazelwood’s greater experience saw them finish as victors. I am sure the girls will build on this performance and while some valuable lessons have been learnt about the standard of competitive netball the girls seemed to really enjoy the occasion and their enthusiasm will be a sound foundation for the future.
Thursday evening was another double header evening with Year 11 boys playing St Gregory’s at basketball while our Year 7,8 and 9 cross country runners competed at Judd School in the F.H. Taylor Cross Country Relays.
The Year 11 basketball team was hit by illness with three of the eight man squad out of action. Despite a fine effort by the 5 remaining players (led superbly by Captain Rokas Kanciauskis, Sean Hickmott, Josh Goodman, Jonathan Shea and Harry Sievewright) the side were defeated by a strong St. Gregory’s team.
At Judd School some of the finest local athletic talent was out in force to compete for this prestigious title. As expected of Sackville sportsmen and women our athletes (Ben Kingston, Oliver Martin, Luke Geer, Matthew Mitchell, Daniel Alexander and Ashley Geer) gave their absolute best with Ben Kingston excelling in the first Year 7 leg of the race but the overall winners coming from the host school. It was an excellent experience and a fine event.
The PE Department were especially busy this weekend with Mr. Barham taking his Year 7 and 8 boys football team to Hazelwood for their annual indoor 5 – a – side tournament. The boys produced some excellent football and were a little unlucky in some of the group stage matches that the chances they created did not produce the victories that they deserved. The boys were a great credit to Sackville in their effort and commitment. The squad consisted of Oliver Hay, James Holiday, James Kingston, Harry Bennett, Benedict Clarke (players' player of the tournament) and Oscar Goldsmith (Mr. Barham's player of the tournament).
Finally a huge thank you to Mrs Ellis and Mrs. Potzesny for taking the girls on their cheerleading camp over the weekend – more details will follow but I’m sure a great time was had by all!
N.Y.
Sports Update 12 - 18 October 2009
This week has seen football matches for the boys against Hayesbrook and St. Michael's while the girls have played netball against Mascalls and hosted an under 14 indoor football tournament that was won by skilful side from Tonbridge Girls Grammar School.
The best victory of the week goes to the Under 14 netball team who enjoyed a fine 12 - 4 win over Mascalls in their netball fixture. There was some excellent teamwork that created a number of scoring opportunitites for Isabelle Meekins to convert in her usual highly consistent style. That said this victory was the result of the effort the whole team put in to the match and all the girls are to be congratulated for their combined performance.
The boys had some tough matches this week. Our Year 10 and 11 combined team were particulalry unlucky fighting their way back from 3 -1 against a strong Hayesbrook side to level the match at 3 - 3 with just a few minutes left to play, only to concede a penalty and lose the match.
Looking back over this half term there have been some exceptional moments of skill and sportsmanship that have epitomised all that is good about Sackville sport. The determination and effort shown by our sportsmen and women never ceases to impress my colleagues and I. On behalf of the whole P.E. Department a huge "Well done!" to all the students that have represented Sackville this term - we are very proud of you all!
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a restful half term holiday and I look forward to reporting further sporting successes after the break.
N.Y.
Sports Update 4 - 11 October 2009
Rarely am I stuck for a highlight in a week of sport but this week I am genuinely spoilt for choice. Excellent football performances against Mascalls School produced three very close games, followed by another fine girls' indoor football tournament hosted at Sackville which was deservedly won by a fine squad from Bradbourne School. Gutsy performances from our Year 7 and 8 cross country runners (Oliver Martin, Oscar Goldsmith, Kyle Coomber, Ben Kingston, Matteo Brown and Oliver Hay) followed on Friday at the Thomas Trophy held at Sevenoks Prep School. Despite all this the week was finished in real style on and off the pitch by an outstanding group of young men from Year 10 and 11 who represented Sackville playing football at Tonbridge School on Saturday.
So on Tuesday our Year 10 and 11 footballers played a Year 10 Mascalls team away in Paddock Wood. Goals from Jack Lovell, Jonathan Shea (with a fine free kick) and Nick Rix brought the side in leading 3 -1 at half time and looking the better side but a strong fight back from Mascalls produced a thrilling finish. In the end strong defending, an excellent individual goal from Jonathan Shea and possibly the best goalkeeping save of the season so far, in the last minute of the match, from Harry Sievewright allowed the Sackville side to hold on to a slender 4 - 3 victory.
On the same evening another very tight football match against Mascalls was being contested by the Year 9 teams. With chances at either end throughout the game both sides had opportunities to seal the match. A well created chance finished off by Richard Holiday kept Sackville well in contention but despite a courageous effort by an ever improving squad it was Mascalls that won 2 - 1.
The final match of the week against Mascalls saw a fine performance from our combined Year 7 and 8 squad who capitalised on some excellent teamwork and skilfully created chances to win the match 6 - 4. It is great to see the boys working well together and there is a really positive team spirit within the squad as their performances continue to improve. A second hat trick of the season for Ryan O'Connell (who has now scored 9 goals in 5 matches), two goals from Ben Kingston and one from Matthew Mitchell were enough to seal the match. Despite these moments of individual brilliance from the scorers the goals were genuine team efforts and this team ethic is certainly the key to the boys' future success.
On Thursday night Sackville hosted 6 teams in our Under 16 girls' indoor football tournament organised by Mrs. Nelson. The evening was a great demonstration of skilful, competitive football from all the teams with the girls giving their absolute all in pursuit of victory. The results were so close that the overall title was only decided in the final round of matches with Tonbridge Girls Grammar, Bradbourne School and Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar all performing well before Bradbourne finally emerged as champions. My thanks must also go to the Year 11, 12 and 13 boys who helped coach, referee and organise the event, they were a real credit to the School and helped make the evening a great success.
Our Year 7 and 8 boys' cross country team had their first competitive outing of the year at Sevenoaks Prep School on Friday. The boys have all been training as part of their Games lessons but this prestigious event tested them with a tough course and heavy rain just after the race start. Despite the adverse conditions the boys all put in determined efforts with a fine debut from Ben Kingston making him the first Sackville athlete home in a very competitive Under 13 race.
In the last event of the week Sackville's Year 11 squad travelled to Tonbridge School. As you would expect Tonbridge had several sporting fixtures on their traditional match day with a number of rugby fixtures against Radley School but it was fantastic to see Sackville in such illustrious company on the match day programme and our boys certainly didn't disappoint on or off the pitch.
The match was a very tight contest with both teams looking to dominate in midfield. Tonbridge took an early lead and used a strong wind to maintain a territorial advantage in the first half. Sackville were rocked by the early goal but looked good in possession and were linking passes together well before a fine move saw Jack Lovell equalise on the stroke of half time and see the teams back on level terms at the break.
With the wind behind them Sackville started the second half well but Tonbridge looked dangerous on the break and goalkeeper Harry Sievewright was once again in excellent form to keep them at bay. However after chances at both ends of the pitch it was Tonbridge who regained the lead only for Sackville to fight back and equalise with a goal from James Kingston.
With just minutes left and the game very evenly balanced Tonbridge were awarded a penalty that was well converted and the home crowd sensed victory was theirs. The Sackville players were less convinced and fought back immediately to try and salvage a draw from what had been an excellent game of football. In such situations a team always looks to its best players to deliver something special and so it was fitting that one of the most improved players of the season, George May who has been such a positive influence in the centre of our defence forced his way into the Tonbridge penalty area to score the equaliser. The final whistle went moments later with the score 3 - 3.
The match was a classic, not just because of the quality of football or the thrilling end but because it was played in an excellent spirit with both teams giving their all. As teachers Mr. Barham and I were full of pride to see our boys perform so well and to do so in such illustrious company as Tonbridge and Radley was a very proud moment indeed. I hope every member of the squad is equally proud of their performance, Tonbridge were excellent hosts and our players were a shining example of everything that is good about Sackville!
N.Y.
Sports Update 28 September - 4 October 2009
Another thrilling week of sport at Sackville has seen more excellent performances and some thrilling matches.
On Tuesday the Year 7 and 8 boys' football team started the week losing out to Hugh Christie who played fine football but the defeat only strengthened the resolve of the team who bounced back on Wednesday afternoon to play Hilden Grange. This fixture is always a real highlight in our sporting calendar with several strong staff and student links between the two schools. Both teams started well but it was Sackville who finished the first half with a 3 - 1 advantage after a fine hat trick from Ryan O'Connell and the team looked confident. Showing real determination Hilden Grange fought their way back into the match scoring quickly with Sackville then re-establishing a two goal lead with a fine headed goal from Ben Kingston. True to form it was Hilden Grange who then scored to make the score 4 - 3 and while nerves started building amongst the Sackville spectators the Sackville players raised their game to score again (Matthew Mitchell with the goal) and lead 5 - 3. With time running out Hilden Grange pushed forward with real purpose and forced the ball home again to set up a thrilling finale with just a single goal between the sides. The last few moments were tense but there were to be no more goals and this nine goal epic of a match finished 5 - 4 to Sackville.
That evening, after the excitement of the Hilden Grange game the Year 9 boys travelled away to Hugh Christie and the Year 10 and 11 team hosted Hugh Christie.
The Year 10 and 11 boys produced a strong performance in a close game but while our skill simply brought out the best in the Hugh Christie defence, including a breath - taking save from their goalkeeper, a couple of crucial Sackville errors gave the game to Hugh Christie. The determination in the Sackville performance was excellent but Hugh Christie made the most of their chances and were deserved winners.
The Year 9 match was a similar story but it was Sackville who proved the stronger on the day. With several players making their debut for the team a new look side brought renewed enthusiasm and determination to the Year 9 squad and it was their effort in all areas of the pitch that was the foundation for this fine victory. Three goals from Jack Billinghurst and one from William Sutton, on his debut, sealed the match with the game finishing 4 - 0 to Sackville.
On Thursday our attention turned to the girls' netball with two games against Bennett Memorial School for the Under 16 and Under 14 teams. Both games were exciting to watch with all the girls involved showing a much improved tactical awareness and excellent moments of skill.
After their win against St. Gregory's the Under 14s produced another determined performance in a tight game. Bennett eventually emerged the winners 5 - 1 but the fitness and determination of both teams was pushed to the limit as each team fought to win possession especially in the centre third of the court. The Sackville girls could have given no more by the end of the game. Strong in defence with Sophie Aldis inparticular being a tower of strength in her last game for the School and creative going forward sometimes you can do no more than your best.
The Under 16s match against Bennett became our second thrilling contest of the week with both teams exchanging the lead througout the first half. With neither team able to lead by more than two goals and the match finely balanced 11 - 12 at half time the result could have gone either way. Both teams contained many talented individuals who produced some excellent netball but it was Sackville who started to work best together as a team as the match entered the last quarter and eventually finished 22 - 14 winners. Isabelle Meekins was again in superb shooting form for the team but this was a genuine team victory with all the girls contributing at important stages of the match and for the effort they put in they deserved their victory.
N.Y.
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